PubliCalendar: Income Inequality, a Stand for Compassion, and Healthcare

Today's picks for civic nerds.

As part of the lengthy conversation about the minimum wage in Seattle, the Office of the Mayor, Local Progress, and Seattle University are cohosting a day-long symposium.

Panelists and speakers—including Lori Pfingst of the Center for Budget and Policy, Dorian Warren of Columbia University and Paul Sonn of the National Employment Law Project—will discuss all aspects of raising the minimum wage. If you haven't made your mind up about the minimum wage (we, for one, decided a long time ago), maybe this day-long event can help you decide.

You may have missed it, but on March 15, a sleeping homeless man was attacked and beaten. Two men, off-duty firefighters, and one woman, an Amazon employee, have been accused of—and at least one arrested for—instigating the attack.

The homeless man was sleeping on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial when the woman allegedly began yelling at him and kicking him. The attack escalated, with the men joining in and beating the man with his walking stick. (Witness Steven Banfield published his account of the attack and the late police response at Crosscut.)

To raise awareness about this vulnerable population, several organizations are coming together to "stand for compassion" to provide shelter and safety for Seattle's homeless.

The gathering will take place at Occidental Square, near where the attack occurred. Speakers include representatives from Alliance for Pioneer Square, Church Council of Greater Seattle, Real Change, and more, as well as mayor Ed Murray and Seattle City Council.

Enrollment in the Washington Health Benefit Exchange ends on Monday, March 31. If you haven't signed up, or you have but you're unsure of what it means for you in the future, you might want to give Dr. Melissa Clarke a listen.

An advocate of patient rights and healthcare reform, Dr. Clarke encourages proactive decision making, health literacy, and communicative relationships between patients and doctors. Her book, Excuse Me, Doctor. I’ve got WHAT? Taking Ownership of Your Health and Making Healthcare Reform Work for You came out in 2013.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and this Saturday, Dr. Harry Teicher and other doctors at Highline Medical Center will be giving free colonoscopies to the needy.

Don't rush out the door just yet—because of the high costs per patient, they are only able to provide a limited number. If you're not in need of a free colonoscopy, maybe consider donating to this program that's serving those most in need of medical care.

The Washington Bus is an organization that supports young, progressive candidates for office, encourages young people to get involved in politics and vote, and seeks to educate the community on local political issues.

Washington Bus is hiring an engagement organizer, someone to run outreach programs, work with students, and lead workshops.